Find a therapist in Ronkonkoma, NY — covered by insurance

I'm a New York-based licensed mental health counselor who works with people going through some of the heaviest parts of life — grief, loss, trauma, chronic pain, and family relationships that feel stuck. I came to private practice after several years in community mental health, where I worked with a wide range of clients dealing with crisis, life transitions, and long-term emotional pain. That experience shaped how I work: I don't rush, I don't minimize, and I don't expect you to arrive with your thoughts organized. I work via telehealth throughout New York, which means wherever you are in the state, we can make this work.

Elizabeth Bruinix-Parris, LCSW graduated with her Masters Degree from Marywood University in 2016. She has worked in hospitals, mobile mental health team, and private practice. She has extensive knowledge in crisis management and providing services to a variety of populations. Elizabeth is passionate about providing support to individuals of all ages. She is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQQAI+ population. Elizabeth can and will provide letters of support, contact her to find out more.

I grew up in a family deeply rooted in the human services field—both of my parents dedicated their careers to helping others. Their compassion and commitment had a big influence on me, and it’s what ultimately shaped my own path. Before becoming a counselor, I spent several years working in law enforcement, where I gained a deep appreciation for the resilience and complexity of people’s lives. That experience inspired me to return to school and focus on helping others in a different way.

I received my doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Yeshiva University's Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology and have spent my postgraduate career working in private practice. I have particular experience in working with folks struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties and self-image.

Life is hard- therapy doesn't have to be! I work hard to create a judgement-free and open space where we work to build deep trust. Compassion, empathy, and sense of humor are an integral part of my practice. I am patient and recognize that relationships are built over time and will work to earn your trust: not expect or demand it. This is the basis on which I've built strong relationships with my long-term clients.

I attended NYU for grad school and then worked with people with chronic homelessness and severe mental illnesses. After that, I transitioned to work in community mental health with families and children with a concentration in trauma. For the last ten years, I've worked full-time with college and grad students so have a specialty working with young adults. When I'm not serving clients, you can find me at the gym, fostering kittens, or on the racetrack trying to beat my last lap.

For more than 10 years, I have worked alongside people navigating serious mental health

challenges, career changes, and the everyday weight of keeping it all together. Whether

you are living with bipolar disorder, processing trauma, or figuring out your next step

professionally or personally, I bring both deep clinical training and lived perspective as a

working parent to our sessions. I would love to connect and start building something that

actually fits your life.

I received a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health from Hofstra University. During my practicum and internship in a community clinic, I counseled people from 15-72 years of age with a range of mental health and vocational concerns. I developed a curriculum and led groups to build socialization skills in children ages 8-12. I also led a parenting skills group while at the clinic. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I worked with clients to explore career choices and assist with finding, obtaining, and keeping employment. I am also a Certified Work Incentive Practitioner, which allows me to advise public benefit beneficiaries on their entry or return to competitive employment and its effects on their benefits.

Therapy can be healing, communicative, and an avenue to self-discovery. It can be a way to access social skills, self-expression, and self-awareness.. Whatever the goal, utilizing the power of music as a vehicle towards these processes can be very effective. (Some of my goals and techniques are featured in a Psychology Today article on 2/18/21 "Increase Coping and Resilience by Writing a Song").

I have 8 years of nursing experience working with children as young as 6 years and older across inpatient and outpatient settings. Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, ODD, bipolar and psychotic disorders are some of the areas I have expertise in.

I graduated from Hofstra University Nurse Practitioner Program and was recognized for The Academic Excellence Award for outstanding clinical and academic performance.